The image of America’s Golden Boy ought to take a much bigger hit. Something tells me not to hold my breath.

All puns intended, we’ve got to drag this Michael Phelps story out a bit longer.

Instead of sweeping his shameful laundry under a rug, let Phelps’ actions air dry.

Isn’t that the normal reaction when a great American athlete is caught on camera smoking weed?

Ink flows. Cameras roll. Microphones are hot and the phone lines are full. We rant, rave and peck away until there’s no flesh left on the bone.

And then we wait for the next foolish act, to repeat the cycle.

Last year, Nuggets star Carmelo Anthony was arrested for DUI. We bashed him for several days.

Truth is, Melo deserved to be chastised. He could have hurt someone while driving drunk. Dumb. Immature. Irresponsible.

Some of you even enjoyed dropping the “T” bomb — thug — while dragging his character through the mud.

Given his actions, it was a tough lesson in life, one Anthony needed to learn.

OK, so what’s the big deal with Phelps, Sam? It’s just a kid, a swimming champ who smoked a little pot. He doesn’t deserve a bashing. He made a mistake. Let it go.

Those might be your feelings. They won’t fly here. Not when character beatdown has become an American way of life.

Hate the game, not the player.

Phelps doesn’t get a free pass because he’s 23. Youth was a viable excuse when he was busted for DUI at age 19.

A 14-time Olympic gold medalist holding a marijuana bong. Click. The photo speaks for itself.

Phelps apologized. Great. The U.S. Olympic Committee has offered counseling. Even better.

Corporate America has offered forgive- ness. Bad. Phelps’ endorsements should be severed. That sends a message.

When Anthony gets into legal hot water, it’s deemed an embarrassment to the league he represents.

On that line, Phelps deserves more heat for embarrassing his country.